Tag Archives: family portraits

We photographed this session in Nags Head, NC on the Outer Banks. The clients house was located on the beach. Their beach access cut through the dunes so we shot their family portraits with the dunes in the background (on their beach access). We then moved the family up by the ocean once the sun got a little softer. This family was so fun! I wish I could show every image. At the end they got silly and I loved it! Your family portrait session can and should be fun!

We had a really rainy week this week. This family portrait session was switched to a morning session. It was a gorgeous morning! We met up on the beach 30 minutes after sunrise. It was a little windy but the temperature was perfect and the sky was beautiful!

Mention code <March18> to receive $100.00 off any package Gold Package and $50.00 off any Silver Package!
Expires April 1, 2018

Outer Banks Productions offers options that everyone wants!
1. Images on disk are the highest resolution!
2. Letter of permission to make your own prints for life!
3. Images are skillfully color corrected on a calibrated monitor!
4. You receive free online viewing for 9 months!
5. No mileage charges! (Free for Carova to Hatteras Landing!)
6. Packages are available with and without prints!

Douglas Haber & Michelle Haber would like to thank you for clicking to our award winning website! As of 2017, Outer Banks Productions has shot around one million professional images. That’s 750 + weddings and 750 + family portraits. Our main company is Outer Banks Productions, so after you are finished at this site, please check us out at our other site at: OuterBanksProductions.com.

Our Number One Question:
Q: With your print package, can all the images be different or do they have to be all the same image?A: All the images in our print packages can be different. You can mix and match them as you wish.

Q: Do we have to pay for a gift certificate in full?A: Yes. The gift certificate will need to be paid in full before it is issued.

Q: Do you also offer other services such as wedding photography, videography, photo booth rentals and aerial photography?A: Yes, all of them! Please see: OuterBanksProductions.com for all the details!

Q: What time of day do you normally shoot? I’m concerned with squinting, although your examples look like sunset so didn’t seem like a problem.A: We generally shoot the session 1.5 hours before the sunset of that day. With larger groups, we start 2 hours before sunset. We usually start off shooting the session with your backs along the dunes first and then as the sun goes down, we move to the ocean for ocean in the background shots. Squinting only happens if the client wants to start earlier than we normally plan.

Q: I read over your packages, but didn’t see how many pictures we get on the CD? Also, how big of a print will I be able to make off the CD?A: Each session is different but the basic answer is a lot of images. We always take shots of the large group, smaller groups, individuals if needed, and any requests. Usually this all happens twice in one session. Once along the dune and once along the ocean. We also take candid shots and any requests with the time left, so there are always a lot of images. As for the size of enlargements, we shoot with high quality cameras and have always been able to honor any requests for large enlargements.

Q: We are interested in a 50th Anniversary photo session the week of July 12-19. There will be 14-15 people in our group, and we would like subgroup photos. There are five children, ages 3-11. Can you accommodate all of these shots?A: Yes. We always take shots of all of the individual break downs and separate family units. We are extremely thorough.

Q: I just have a few questions. My family and I are staying in Avon the first week in August. There are just the 4 of us (two children). If we went with the prints package, that does NOT include the disk of images, correct? If we wanted to add the disk, what is the cost? Or, we would be better to get the Package with just the disk?A: All packages come with at least 1 disk. The package with the prints come with 4 total disks so there is no extra charge unless you would like more than 4 disks.

Q: Also, we are not staying in a beachfront house, where would you suggest in Hatteras to go for photographs?A: We generally shoot at the closest beach to your house or you may wish to drive to Coquina beach in Nags Head although that is about 45 minutes drive.

Q: What is the current pricing?
A: Click here for answer as our prices may change.

Q: What is payment process?
A: The retainer is 50% and secures your date. We will send you a PayPal request to make this payment. The balance is due the day of the shoot and is best paid for with a check or cash.

Q: With your print packages, are all the prints the same like with grade school photos or can you choose individual prints?A: You get to choose each and every print with any of print packages. If you get 40 -4×6’s each one can be different or the same. You have full control.

Q: Will 1 hour be enough for an 11-20 group?A: Yes. If but your candid shot count may not be as high as you want. Especially once your group gets up to 15 or more. So if you really want a lot of candid shots, just request the 1 1/2 hour session instead. Adding on time when the sun is going down is not possible.

Q: Out of curiosity, does the infant count in the total count of people? She will only be a few days old. A: I’m glad you asked about infants vs people. I realized I should add that to our official price list so no one gets confused. Yes, infants count in the total count of people. They often have trouble looking at the camera, smiling, squinting and generally looking like they don’t want their picture taken so they usually make us work harder for our pay.

Q: Do you do individuals shots of each family? For instance, like my parents, my family, and my sisters family.
A: Yes. We shoot the large group first, smaller groups, individuals, pets if any then we take any extra requests, shoot with any props or outfit changes then finish with candid shots on the beach or your location.

Q: How long is the session?
A: 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours depending on your group size and or desire for additional candid shots.

Q: Can you really shoot all these people in with candid shots and all the individual shots in the time slot for our group?
A: Yes. We have shot 650,000 images since we have been professional photographers. We shoot over 140 portrait sessions per year and weddings also so we know how to pose, organize and control large groups efficiently. Most of our groups need a lot of help getting this done efficiently so we have plenty of experience that will help your session go smoothly.

Q: I would like a few shots of my little girl alone, is that extra?A: No. The only thing that is extra is prints if you have not purchased a package without prints.

Q: Why are you cheaper than everyone else?
A: We feel our current pricing is fair for our current market. We have many customers each year call and tell us they thought last years session was too expensive for what they received and then they book with us. All of them return year after year! Additionally we currently offer a life discount for return customers!

Q: How much do you charge for the disk?
A: $0.00. The disk is included in our packages.

Q: Do you come to us or do we come to you?
A: The choice is yours but mostly we come to you. We have a favorite location In Nags Head and can offer a small discount if you choose to drive there. Please just ask. It’s really worth it if your location does not have a nice beach for photos or the tides are high at you session time.

Q: Do you offer evening sessions, morning sessions or both?
A: We schedule most sessions in the evening about 1 1/2 hours – 2 hours before sunset. We generally save mornings for rescheduling. Morning sessions are very early and are always 15 minutes after sunrise otherwise everyone is squinting! Additionally the session is often shorter because the sun gets so bright so fast. We know children may or may not like this but this is how we keep our calendar accommodating everyone along with the crazy OBX weather.

Q: What happens if it rains or is too windy?
A: We have several options. 1st we look at the weather and try to reschedule if possible. Next if that option is not possible then we can offer 2 options. Shoot the images creatively inside or offer a rain check. After all these years we have given 3 rain checks and maybe 3 or 4 indoor sessions as of October 2012.

Q: Why should we expect a photographer to know about the weather?
A: We are both pilots of light aircraft. We generally offer better forecasts than the local weather guys. Also in the past we were local consultants for NOAA of Newport/Morehead City NC. http://www.erh.noaa.gov/mhx/

Q: Do you watermark your images?
A: Only the low resolution images that may be include on your disk are watermarked. We want you to upload these to social media and we love the credit. Thank you! Otherwise, your images on the disk are full size and printable WITHOUT the watermarks.

Q: Do you offer all the image or just a few?
A: I love this question! We give you everything we shoot except any obvious duplicates. For example, if we shoot 5 shots of the large group and there are shots with and without peoples eyes closed, you will receive the best shot. Also we do not give you any image that may not be properly rendered because of a technical error including blurry images. Our goal is to give you as much as possible!

Q: How long does it take to get the images on disk.
A: On average, it takes 6 weeks or less. In situations such as hurricanes and our busy season it could take up to 12 weeks. (From our current 2013 contract: “On average it takes up to 6 weeks but can take up to 12 weeks or longer to receive your edited images, photo albums, prints or image CD’s/DVD’s depending on the time of the year. We do not guarantee a delivery date. We will notify you if your images will take longer than 12 weeks.”) We obviously want you to have the images as soon as possible just like we would like if it was our family and also we would never want people complaining on the internet as that would be bad for business.

Q: What is best to wear?
A: Khakis or blue jeans and white shirts. Otherwise stick to solid colors. No stripes or polka-dots.
When picking an outfit please be aware if your undergarments will be showing.

Q: Can we bring props?
A: Yes, we love that. Please do!

Q: I have a dog, a cat and an iguana. Will you shoot them also?
A: Only if they try to bite us! LOL! No, seriously we love pets and have great patients so please bring them and we will capture their images forever!

Q: Can we all do a jump shot?
A: Yes. Those that can’t jump, just stay still with your hands in the air. It looks great!

Q: I want a shot of us with the ocean and the dunes in the back. Can you shoot that?
A: Yes! In the evening sessions we shoot the dune shots 1st because of lighting and the ocean shots second. This makes the best images.

Q: Can you shoot sunset images?
A: Yes, if you are on the sound side of the island. On the Outer Banks, the sun goes down on the opposite side of the beach so you need to be on the sound side for shots like this. There are not many sound side public access locations so this get’s tricky unless you have a sound side property. Additionally, if you have enough beach it may be possible to get sunset images on the beach side of the island. Locations like our favorite Nags Head location work very well for this which is another reason to consider coming to Nags Head. Either way, we shoot the best sunset images in our opinion.

Q: Do you mind if our friends shoot alongside?
A: No, but it takes about double the time so it will definitely mean your session will run out of light and not be as good as if we shot it alone. Additionally they often create shadows on you images that do not look good.

Q: Will the wind affect our hair?
A: Yes. If it is above 15 mph we will need to be patient for good wind cycles if possible. Also we will try to move you to make them better. We suggest considering hairspay if possible on windy days. Eventually though, this method will not work. Feel free to keep fixing your hair as needed.

Q: Will you Photoshop our hair if it is windy?
A: Officially, no. But if you purchase prints from us we will offer this service for a few prints or enlargements. Maximum 3 images. If you need more, we have a per hourly rate of minimum $99.00/hour. Please contact us for the current rate.

Q: Two friends won’t be there. Can you Photoshop them in?
A: Officially, no. We have a per hourly rate of minimum $99.00/hour. Please contact us for the current rate. Something like this can take 5-20 hours depending on what you want. It is mostly cost prohibitive, but we can often do it. Most people decide not to because of the cost.

Q: My husband was hit in the head with a golf ball and has a huge scar. Can you Photoshop that out? (This actually happened one year)
A: Officially, no. But if you purchase a print from us we will offer this service for a few prints or enlargements. Maximum 3 images. If you need more, we have a per hourly rate of minimum $99.00/hour. please contact us for the current rate.

Q: My children like to be in bed early. Can you shoot the session earlier?
A: We can shoot maybe 1/2 hour earlier but the lighting will be so bad that the children will cry even more and everyone will be squinting. We always suggest trying to schedule naps on a photo shoot day. As parents ourselves, we understand this sounds great in theory but is not always easy. Either way, this is the best plan. One other suggestion is to have the shoot under the Nags Head Pier at which point can accommodate smaller groups depending on the tides.

Q: Do you have a contract?
A: Yes. Our contract is designed to protect both you and our company. In 13 seasons, we have never had to exercise the contract.

Q: If the weather is bad all week and we can not reschedule, what will we do? My family will never all be together again since most of them are from Germany.
A: We will creatively shoot the images inside, so don’t worry!

Q: Why does it take so long to get the images? Do you use a slow computer?
A: Actually technology has nothing to do with it. We likely have the fastest computers on the OBX! We hear often from other OBX companies that we are not the only ones that get backed up in August, September, October. Outer Banks Productions is a small business that has 2 main employees. We shoot 60-70 weddings and up to 130 family portraits per year. We go through each image and color correct them, enhance and crop accordingly. This careful process takes a lot of time. We can shoot 170,000 images per year and we go through each and every single one. We also work most of the day and into the nights only stopping for meals and children time. Ultimately, as the season becomes even more busy, our delivery time slows down a little. But rest assured we are working to get you images to you as fast as possible and will email you shortly after your shipping label is made.

Q: What does on-line viewing mean?
A: On-line viewing is an internet page that allows you to view the images we shot and view them on-line via an internet browser. This service is your first contact with your images. Often we will upload the images after they have been color corrected if we are not backed up. Additionally, you will be able to send this link to friends and family and they can order images on their own. This is a very popular service and it is free with all of our packages!

Q: If it is raining can we still shot them outside? We really aren’t bothered by the rain.
A: No. Our professional equipment will definitely have problems in the rain & fog and any other adverse weather. If it is possible, we will shoot it outside. If not, we will reschedule or shoot them inside.

Q: My kids are both hyperactive, does this bother you?
A: No. We are both parents and are used to it. We are patient and loving and will shoot aggressively to get the best images possible. Don’t worry!

Q: Our photographer from last year charged us an arm and a leg and we only got a few images. What do you offer differently?
A: Oh, we hate to hear this. Times are tough and to hear a story about a bad family portrait experience hurts us. Especially when it deals with cost. We offer a reasonable rate, exceptional service and a lot of images. Our biggest complaint has always been that we offer too many images to pick from. We are very proud of this. Also our past clients get 10% off each additional year!

Q: My last photographer told me he limits his images per session. Do you give a limit?
A: All packages come with unlimited images in the time promised unless we have made a very rare special agreement in advance.

Q: Your images are the most amazing ever! Now that we see how good you are, we would like to upgrade to a print package. How much is that?
A: Each package is different but they start at approximately $199.00. Please contact us for current rates.

Q: You have been highly recommended by friend of our family. What is it that should make us go with Outer Banks Productions?
A: Kim, great question! You are spending a lot of money on this so we want you to be 100% satisfied. 1st we offer all of our services and features in an all inconclusive package with the option to add on prints later. The mileage is free, the disk is free, the on-line viewing is free and the sitting fee is included. There is only NC state sales tax if you are an NC resident. That’s it. There are no surprise fees. We hear all the time that there is a photographer with a cheap sitting fee and the disk costs one hundred billion gazillion dollars. We are not those guys. Additionally we are fun to work with, we will not try to sell you prints on the job and we take all your requests and have no set limit on the number of images. We love kids and pets and have great patients. We are all yours for 1 – 1 1/2 hours. I hope this explains everything.

Q: Thanks for the information, I have one other question, does the session also allow us to do individual family shots, in addition to the large extended family pictures?A: Absolutely! We will get all the breakdowns you want within your time frame.

Q: Do you accept tips after a great session?
A: Yes. We get asked this all the time. All tips are greatly appreciated, but are not required.

Q: Hello. I am inquiring about your family package. I am unclear about what the hour of photography includes. We have 13 people – we would like one shot with the whole group, and group shots of
1. mom and dad
2. a family of four
2. another family of four
3. grandmother (91!) with all four grandchildren (all over 5)
4. mom and dad with all four grandchildrenWe are flexible and not demanding =) just need some good photos of a special family event. We do not need the prints made – just digital access and we will be in the Outer Banks from *** We are staying at ***, but are willing to travel, if that is better, for a good beach session. Will you please let me know what cost we are looking at and thank you, in advance.A: August 21, 22, 2013 are both available. The hour photography includes 60 minutes of photos which includes whatever photos you like. Traditionally we take shots of each family, just the parents, just the children, Grandparents and Grandchildren and any other combinations you can imagine. Typically we shoot a combination of the above with the dunes in the background and then with the ocean in the background. The large group shot (everyone) is usually taken with the ocean in the background. We also offer candid shots and all your requests with any time left over. You will then receive free online viewing and a disk sent to you with all the acceptable images. You have complete digital access and can make all the prints you like. Officially this is called, “Home rights use”. You may additionally add a print package to any of our packages if you wish.

(Current pricing sent to this potential customer with this answer)

Q: One more question and then I will pay. I just want to make sure we get the disk with all the photos. That is what is advertised on your website but I want to make sure. Then we can make copies and create a photo book.A: Yes, you received the disk with the high-resolution images and can make copies and create a photo book no problem.

We had a perfect day in August for portraits on the beach in Rodanthe, NC. The Van Noorts traveled here all the way from South Dakota. They were such a fun family to work with as you will see in the photos. They used a variety of blues, whites and khakis for their photo shoot. A little bit of color can make your photos really stand out.

I had the honor to photograph a couple that had been married for 60 years. I asked them the number one secret to their long marriage (I make sure to ask anyone who has been together over 25 years). They said “Communication” I totally agree! This is certainly one of the key elements to a long and happy marriage! Congratulations!